The Iowa eFile & Pay system will be updated this Thursday, March 22, 2007, to include an option for filing motor fuel returns via EDI. The first return due via EDI will be the February 28, 2007 , return due on April 2, 2007. Please note that the EDI file does not contain a payment of the tax due, it is only the detail schedules and return. To make a payment, we have two methods available:
- Direct Debit: Select “Make a Payment” from the Main Menu (a return for that period must be filed first and you must have received a confirmation number). ePay (direct debit) replaces the current ACH Debit system. The current ACH Debit system will no longer be available as of June 1, 2007.
- ACH Credit: Through your financial institution.
Please continue to file the paper returns in addition to the electronic returns for two months, until May 31, 2007, so we make sure the information is correct during this transition. We also ask that you file the January return(s) via EDI too, so that the entire year of 2007 will be in an electronic format.
Please contact Scott Fitzgerald at 515-242-6033 or Julie Stokke at 515-281-6447 prior to submitting your first file so we can update your “filing method” in your profile which will allow files to be accepted in the EDI format. If the filing method switch is not activated, you will not be able to submit files via EDI.
A “Demo” option is available which will allow you to test your files to see if any changes are necessary. Please note that when using the Demo mode, the Usage Indicator (ISA15) must contain a “T” to indicate it is a Test.
If problems are encountered which require the file be sent to Iowa Department of Revenue for analysis, a separate “file dropoff” Web site has been established for you to send the file in a secure environment. If you need to do this, please contact us so we may assign you a secure userid and password to the site.
The system incorporates various checks and balances to ensure the files submitted meet requirements as set forth in the Iowa EDI Implementation Guide (the guide is located on our web site at http://www.state.ia.us/tax/educate/IAMotorFuelEDIImplementationGuide.pdf.) Error messages will be given in two places:
- The “Details” column on the “Schedule EDI File Upload” screen
- The 997 acknowledgement file located in the “997 Result” column on the “Schedule EDI File Upload” screen
There is also an “Instructions” link in the top right corner of the EDI screens which may also provide help.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 515-242-6033 or 515-281-6447, Monday – Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm. We would like to make this a smooth transition for everyone!
Sincerely,
Scott Fitzgerald, Examiner
Iowa Department of Revenue
515-242-6033